CONTENTS AUGUST 26, 2015 ■ VOLUME 6, ISSUE 3

COVER STORY GREG ANDERSON

‘I CAN GET A LOT BETTER’ Lauren Carlini’s mark on Wisconsin’s volleyball program is unmistakable, but the junior has no interest in looking back at the legacy she’s building. Her focus is squarely on the future.

FEATURES WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS IN [FOCUS] TOP ‘TEN’ TALENT The week's best photos

The decathlon is a long, grueling BY THE NUMBERS event. Zach Ziemek’s rise from a Facts and figures on UW DAVID STLUKA Big Ten champion to a Beijing-bound member of Team USA happened fast. WHAT TO WATCH Where to catch the Badgers

ASK THE BADGERS PAUL CHRYST: PART TWO Advice for freshmen A START, NOT AN END BADGERING Troy Fumagalli (Football) Paul Chryst’s coaching career may

have come full circle with his return DAVID STLUKA to Wisconsin, but that doesn’t mean INSIDE FOOTBALL Stave once again leads way he’s crossed the finish line just yet. INSIDE-SCROLL VOLLEYBALL FOR MORE­ Questions remain for UW Wisconsin Athletic Communications Kellner Hall, 1440 Monroe St., Madison, WI 53711

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© 2015 Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System. All rights reserved worldwide. LUCAS AT LARGE BY MIKE LUCAS • UWBADGERS.COM Ogunbowale hits right notes in backfield here may not be another trying to make a splash and an at work between Clement and quarterback-tailback com­ impact ― about 10 days out from Ogunbowale given the latter was Tbination in college football the opener against Alabama in a good friend and roommate of that can measure up with Joel Dallas ― only now it’s on offense Melvin Gordon, whose departure Stave and Dare Ogunbowale as Corey Clement’s backup. “I’m to the NFL has brought Clement ― on the keyboard. Both have just trying to play football,” he and Ogunbowale closer together. played the piano since they were said. “I don’t try to think about “Me and Corey did a lot of ex­ youngsters. “I’ve taken lessons the difference in the position that tra work in addition to the sum­ since I was 7 and still play all the I’m in now. Last year, I was com­ mer conditioning,” Ogunbowale time,” said Ogunbowale. “At the peting. This year, I’m competing. said. “It was a lot of mental stuff, bowl game, they had a beautiful Not much has changed. Just my whether it be working out late at grand piano in the hotel and Joel jersey number.” night or just watching a lot of film. and I played a duet.” Ogunbowale, who now wears We definitely put in some extra Ogunbowale enjoys playing No. 23, has been pushing himself hours to make sure that we were the blues, which matched his while getting a push from Taiwan ready to go in (training) camp. mood at about this time last year. Deal, a redshirt freshman, also Corey’s one of my best friends, The Badgers were still in train­ vying for game reps as a backup. I’m always with him. He works ing camp and about 10 days out There’s an interesting dynamic hard and he’s a good person.” from their opener against LSU in When a wide-eyed Gordon was Houston and Ogunbowale wasn’t still figuring out his role within making much headway as a re- the offense ― he had 82 carries serve defensive back. (At about through his first two seasons in the same time last August, Stave a combined 17 game appear- was singing the blues after un- ances because of an injury as ceremoniously losing his starting a freshman ― he was schooled job to Tanner McEvoy.) on the Wisconsin running back “I was still a DB and still tradition by Montee Ball and fighting for a special teams James White. Gordon spot,” recalled Ogunbowale, was conscientious, a who was then an obscure student of the game, walk-on from Milwaukee and passed his knowl­ wearing No. 18 and trying edge on to Clement to draw some positive atten- and Ogunbowale. tion. “My mindset was on “Obviously, me not having making a splash on special a lot of running back experi­ teams and taking advantage ence,” said Ogunbowale ,who of every rep. I got lost on last played the position when he the depth chart a little was in the fifth grade, “it was bit, so I just wanted to nice to have Melvin help me make sure I made an out with just the mentality of a impact where I could.” running back ― thinking like a A year later, he’s still running back and having

LUCAS AT LARGE PAGE 1 OF 3 LUCAS AT LARGE BY MIKE LUCAS • UWBADGERS.COM DAVID STLUKA

the vision and the patience (to the best ever, but one of the best games, then a school record, in­ succeed at the position). Un­ in the nation. She’s now at Notre cluding 71 starts. Another cousin, derstanding the tradition here is Dame. Diamond Stone, was the Player of something that you have to up­ “We’re extremely competitive; the Year in the state of Wisconsin hold.” we’d be in church and trying to and one of the top prep pros­ If you’re wondering what that compete to get the Bible first,” pects in the country. He’s headed entails, Ogunbowale singled out said Dare Ogunbowale who reluc­ to Maryland. the “toughness that comes with tantly conceded, “She’s definitely Two of Ogunbowale’s closest it” ― playing tailback for the a better basketball player than friends, outside of football, are Badgers. “You have to want to me. Throughout high school, I Sam Dekker, the first-round draft be the best, and me and Corey would say, ‘No, she’s not better.’ choice of the Houston Rockets, and Taiwan talk about that,” said But I’ve come to terms with that and Zak Showalter, a returning Ogunbowale, adding the “stan­ now and I can’t wait to watch her letterwinner with the Badgers. dard being the standard” is part play (for the Irish) to see what Ogunbowale spent time this sum­ of their commitment. “That’s how she can do.” mer with Dekker at his home in we see it because that’s how the Sheboygan. “I’m excited to see running backs who came before SHEEHY ON OGUNBOWALE: what they do this season,” he us saw it.” “HE’S REALLY ATHLETIC, AND said of Dekker and Showalter. Ogunbowale, a redshirt junior, “And I know they’re excited to HE’S A REALLY SMART GUY WHO stands out in this crowd because watch me play.” of his unique background. His PICKS UP THE GAME QUICKLY.” Ogunbowale didn’t play much dad, Greg, played football, the in­ through the first two games last ternational brand of football, soc­ The hoops connection has season. He was on special teams cer, in Nigeria. His mom, Yolan­ pretty deep roots. One of Ogun­ and an afterthought on defense, da, played softball at DePaul. bowale’s cousins, Ryan Evans, a spare cornerback. Lacking His sister, Arike, was not only the was a mainstay on the Wisconsin depth behind Gordon and Clem­ best high school basketball play­ basketball team from 2009 to ent ― Deal and Caleb Kinlaw er in Wisconsin last year, maybe 2013; he appeared in 138 career were injured; so were fullbacks

LUCAS AT LARGE PAGE 2 OF 3 LUCAS AT LARGE BY MIKE LUCAS • UWBADGERS.COM

Derek Watt and Derek Straus ― the field and replaced Clement definitely helped me out a lot.” then-UW coach Gary Andersen at tailback. On his first collegiate Off training wheels, but still raw, moved Ogunbowale to tailback touch, he picked up seven yards. he has been getting up to speed based on his effort in a “speed in He finished out the series, which by watching others. “I try to find space” drill. resulted in a Rafael Gaglianone running backs that are compara­ The only time that Ogunbowale field goal. And he finished the ble to my size,” said the 5-foot­ ran with the football at Milwau­ game, a 68-17 rout, with 14 11, 200-pound Ogunbowale, who kee Marquette high school was rushes for 94 yards. “That was has put on more than 10 pounds on kick returns. But he’s a fast a lot different than I’m running during the offseason. In general, learner; at that, he’s a biomedical now,” he said. he likes to watch elite NFL play­ engineering major. UW sopho­ The difference? “I’m definitely ers like LeSean McCoy and Jamal more nose guard Conor Sheehy more confident,” said Ogunbow­ Charles because “I’m just trying wasn’t surprised his old Mar­ ale, who gave a “shout-out” to to have more dimensions to my quette teammate could make the former UW running backs coach running style.” transition. “He’s really athletic,” Thomas Brown, now at Georgia, More importantly, Ogunbowale Sheehy said, “and he’s a really for teaching him the ropes last said that he hasn’t forgotten what smart guy who picks up the game year. “The biggest influence on Gordon taught him about prepa­ quickly.” where I’m at right now is Coach ration and “I’ve tried to emulate On the final play of the third (John) Settle. He has kind of tak­ his work ethic.” By doing so, he’s quarter against Bowling Green en me under his wing and made striking the right note, something (Sept. 20), Ogunbowale ran onto sure I knew that I was doing; he’s that he has experience with. ■ DAVID STLUKA

LUCAS AT LARGE PAGE 3 OF 3 ASK THE BADGERS

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A FRESHMAN TEAMMATE ABOUT? STARTING OUT AT UW? GREG ANDERSON DAVID WEGIEL

JOE SCHOBERT MOLLY HANSON EDDIE WITTCHOW CAITLYN CLEM Senior ■ Football Senior ■ Women’s Cross Country Senior ■ Men’s Hockey Sophomore ■ Women’s Soccer

“Time manage­ “My advice to my “My best advice for “My advice is to ment is the biggest freshmen team­ incoming freshmen keep a positive thing you have to mates is to embrace will fall in a few mind. Things aren’t get used to. There’s all of the changes different catego­ always going to no Mom and Dad and to chill out. If ries. Academically, fall the way people watching you every you’re not screwing my best advice is would expect their step of the way. You something up, you to get off to a great freshman year. Rely have the coaching are not doing fresh­ start. Classes only on teammates and staff and football man year right.” get tougher as you family to keep you staff that do a great get closer to gradu­ going. There will be job of making sure ation, so exceeding a lot of new things you have a structure in your early, ‘eas­ and experiences in but, still, you have ier’ classes will be freshman year. Just a sense of indepen­ critical. Athletically, roll with it and enjoy dence that you’ve I suggest taking it because it’s a never had before. everything day by privilege.” So you have to be day. Yes, you will able to study when have plenty of ‘off’ you have time, days, everyone practice when you understands that, have time and wake but if tomorrow up on time for your is determined by classes. That’s the how you performed biggest thing you yesterday, you will have to learn.” find yourself trying to -SCROLLcontrol FOR irrelevant MORE­ matters. Lastly, my best social advice is to stick together with your room- mates, teammates, classmates, etc. The relationships you make at school are likely rela- tionships that will remain through- out your lifetime. Take advantage of meeting as many people as you can. This university is a special place, make the most of it because it goes quick.” BADGERING DAVID STLUKA TROY FUMAGALLI

Playing in all 14 games as a redshirt freshman last season, TE Troy Fu­ ALL ABOUT TROY magalli emerged as a consistent receiving threat for the Badgers and Year: Sophomore finished the season with 14 catches. The Naperville, Illinois, native lost Hometown: Naperville, Ill. his left index finger shortly after birth due to a circulation disorder but Height / Weight: 6-6 / 247 became a sure-handed receiver ― and a successful left-handed pitcher Position: Tight end in high school. This year, he’ll be asked to help fill the shoes of TE Sam Arneson, who was UW’s second-leader receiver in 2014. QUICK Qs FOR TROY Favorite teammate to sing a duet with? Sam Arneson was a very productive tight end at UW. Does “I would go with Jordan Fredrick, and replacing his production fall on you this year? we would probably sing that Stepbroth­ “I would say not specifically, but me and Austin Traylor togeth­ ers song that they sing in the car (Sweet er pick up that tight end role. Coach is going to put us out there Child O’ Mine). He’s always singing and to do what we’re best at and there will be specific situations for he’s got a good voice. I could just jump in and let him kind of take over and I’ll the both of us to pick up the slack. I don’t think there is one of just be in the background singing.” us in particular that has to do more.” SCROLL Favorite emoji? Coach Paul Chryst has a reputation for utilizing tight ends on “Probably the ‘100’ one because it’s offense. Does that excite you? awesome.” “It’s definitely exciting. There’s a reason why a lot of his play­ What does your locker say about you? ers are at the next level. He thinks highly of the tight ends and “I keep it pretty clean for the most part. uses them very well. It’s all exciting stuff. I watch Lance Ken­ It’s pretty boring. You get a lot of people dricks and Garret Graham all the time to see what they did. that have stuff everywhere but mine is Now we run a similar offense that they did. It’s nice to see how just kind of clean and that’s it.” they played their game and take a few things from their game Nickname? to put it in mine. I talk to Coach Chryst about them. They were “They call me Fuma for short. I’ve been All-Americans and there is a reason why they were so success­ called it my whole life.” ful. He does help me and try to tell me what they did when they were here to make them so successful and how I can improve my game, too.”

What is it like to have a young coach like Mickey Turner working with your position group? “I think it’s great to have Coach Turner because he’s younger and such a high-energy type of guy. He played in the system and know what it’s like. He knows about the dog days, the two-a-days, because he’s been out there so it’s nice to have someone who is relatable. It’s cool to have so many coaches that played here that are coaching now. It just shows you that people really care about this program that now they’re back. They succeeded here and it’s definitely a good sign I think.”

What do you consider your biggest game of last season? “I would say Illinois. I think I played well on special teams and on offense in both the run and passing game. At Rutgers, it was a cold rainy day and we weren’t getting much going and then we got that third down that sparked the offense a little bit because it was a tougher game to make a play.”

Besides football, what sports did you play growing up? “I played baseball in high school. I think it made me well-round- ed. Baseball was my one love growing up but then I hurt my elbow and started focusing on football at the next level. I was a pitcher. I’ve always been a Cubs guy so it’s been tough, but I would say I always looked up to Derek Lee when I was little.”

You have four fingers on your left hand. Has that been a challenge for you in any way? “I’ve been used to it my whole life. I lost it at birth so it hasn’t affected me in any ways because I’ve lived my whole life with it. When I catch balls I would say my hand placement is a little different. They usually teach you thumbs together and index fingers together, so I just use my left middle finger. Besides that, everything else like blocking is the same.” ■ JACK MCLAUGHLIN

GREG ANDERSON thinly-veiled “legacy” question was served gers averaged 4,933 fans, third best in the nation. up to Lauren Carlini who could have easily This year, they’ve already sold all reserved seats for A spiked it. After all, she’s only 20 and halfway the first time in program history. through her Wisconsin volleyball career; making her Carlini has taken notice. With the future prospect too young, and it too soon, to ponder what she has of reopening the building’s upper balcony to specta­ left behind when there is still so much ahead. tors, she said, “I’ll come back here in 10 years and “I can get a lot better,” proposed Carlini, the Bad­ this place is going to be sold out with 11,000 fans gers’ second first-team All-American. “It really an­ and there will be pride in knowing me and my team­ noys me when people say, ‘You’re really good; you’re mates and the coaching staff were part of it.” about maxed out.’ No, I have places I still want to go This is where she addressed the sport’s resurgence and I have things that I definitely need to get better in Madison and her legacy, if you will. at.” “I think it’s just awesome to be a part of such big But there’s no mistaking the impact that she has changes in the program,” she said. “That’s one of already had on the program over the past two years the main reasons why I came to Wisconsin ― I want­ by helping guide the Badgers to back-to-back top- ed to be a program-changer and I wanted to make five finishes nationally― No. 2 in 2013 and No. 4 this program great and I think that we’re on the path. in 2014 ― after memorable runs that ended in the It has been a great ride so far.” NCAA championship game and a regional final. Beyond acknowledging the journey is just begin­ Additionally, with a rise in volleyball’s popularity, ning, not ending, she stressed the importance of her the school has embarked on a fundraising campaign teammates, past and present, on UW’s volleyball re­ to make improvements to the UW Field House, start­ naissance and cited the influence of head coach Kel­ ing with the home locker room. Last year, the Bad­ ly Sheffield, who has orchestrated the turnaround. DAVID STLUKA

LAUREN CARLINI: TO BE CONTINUED... PAGE 2 OF 7 DAVID STLUKA

I WANTED TO BE A PROGRAM-CHANGER AND I WANTED TO MAKE“ THIS PROGRAM GREAT AND I THINK THAT WE’RE ON THE PATH. IT HAS BEEN A GREAT RIDE SO FAR.

She called him the “catalyst.” Under the 45-year-old Sheffield, the Badgers were 28-10 in his first season, an 11-win upgrade, and 31-3 last season during which they won the Big Ten championship with a 19-1 record and swept most of the individual awards, including Coach of the Year, Player of the Year and Setter of the Year (Carlini). When asked about the interest that his program has been generating among supporters, young and old alike, Sheffield answered a question with a ques­ tion. “How can you not be inspired by watching a player like her (Carlini)?” he posed rhetorically. In the same breath, he said, “She’s not the only one.” Many have affected many. “It’s all these kids who watch a player like Lauren and so many of the others and they see that they’re playing with purpose and they’re playing with energy and they’re playing to­ gether,” he said. “Their athleticism, their grace and their skill is unbelievable.” There’s one more thing that needed to be men­ tioned. “They’re good people,” Sheffield said. “And the young kids are saying, ‘One of these days, I want to be them.’ People can feel their passion. As a fan, that’s what you want. People want to be around a winner, but it’s not just that.” Without using the word, Sheffield suggested that Carlini was also a catalyst in this context. “Lauren is just one of those people,” he said, put­ ting her in a special category. “Forget about male or female, forget about revenue or non-revenue sport, she’s truly one of the great athletes that I think the college game, in any sport, has ever seen. I’m in­ credibly fortunate that she’s here.” Everybody benefits from her presence, too. “Badger fans,” he pointed out, “have two more years to enjoy her.” Carlini is on board with that sentiment. “I enjoy the college experience,” she said, “and I like being able to be a kid for two more years.”

LAUREN CARLINI: TO BE CONTINUED... PAGE 3 OF 7 ■ ■ ■ ■ efore last December’s showdown with Penn State in the NCAA regional final in Louisville, BKentucky, Carlini felt like the Badgers were in the right frame of mind for the Nittany Lions, who had beaten them in the 2013 title game in Seattle and had won five of the last seven national champi­ onships. “We had a really tough match the night before against Ohio State and won in five sets (rallying from a 2-1 deficit),” she said. “We were all very tired but we were ready to go (for Penn State). We had played them before so we knew what we had to do. “We were prepared and confident in our ability. You can have only so many shots (against someone like the Nittany Lions) before it turns out in your fa­ vor. We felt that it was going to be our chance and there was almost nothing that was going to stop us from getting to the Final Four.” Almost nothing, that is, except an injury to Carlini that would limit her effectiveness. “It was 8-8 in the first set,” she recalled. “(Penn State’s) Ali Frantti came for a swing, landed right on the middle line and I came down on top of her. I went to turn and sprained my ankle. There’s always that initial shock. But in my head, I’m thinking, ‘Get up, you’re fine, you just twisted it a little.’”

It was much worse than that. DAVID STLUKA “There was not much feeling in my foot,” said Carlini, who tried to walk it off. “When I got back to the locker room, it was already swelling. But there was no question in my mind (to keep playing). I said, get to a ball past the 10-foot line, she would step in ‘You’d better tape me up because I’m going back in, and grab it; she was blocking down the line for me period.’” so I wouldn’t have to play a lot of defense. My team­ Carlini returned to the court and ended up with mates really picked it up when I couldn’t give it all her 18th double-double (38 assists, 10 digs) of the that I’ve got.” season. It wasn’t enough, though, not nearly enough But she was adamant about not using the ankle as to slow down the Nittany Lions, who rolled to a vic­ an excuse. tory in four sets and went on to defend their national “Things happen,” she said, shrugging, “and ev­ championship with a 3-0 win over BYU in the NCAA erything happens for a reason. It was just a bad time final. for it to happen. If we would have won that match “I didn’t have any pop off of it (her ankle), I couldn’t (against Penn State), there was literally zero percent get off the ground,” Carlini conceded. “I had min­ chance of me playing in the Final Four.” imal blocking and moving ability. Most of my sets Carlini suffered a high and lower ankle sprain. She were on the floor, I wasn’t jump-setting like I usually also tore some ligaments. do. So I knew at that point I had to locate really well “The doctor said she would have been better off if and do the best I could for the team. she broke it,” Sheffield noted. “Courtney (Thomas) helped me a lot. If I couldn’t Which is what UW basketball guard Traevon Jack-

LAUREN CARLINI: TO BE CONTINUED... PAGE 4 OF 7 son did, he sustained a Jones fracture. same thing. “Take the time to rehab and get that “Since she didn’t (break it),” Sheffield added of ankle back to 100 percent,” she related, “because Carlini’s rehab, “this was longer.” you don’t want to come back at 75 percent and tear Much longer than Carlini anticipated. something else.” “Longer than I wanted,” she said. Per usual, Sheffield was impressed with how she She was on crutches for a few weeks and in a boot went about her business. for a few weeks after that. “She’s a very purpose­ “I had hoped to be back in ful person,” he said. “She early May,” she said. “That SHEFFIELD ON CARLINI: just gets locked in on what ended up not happening.” “FORGET ABOUT MALE OR FEMALE, FORGET ABOUT needs to be done. You see Carlini was cleared at the that with her grades, you REVENUE OR NON-REVENUE“ SPORT, SHE’S TRULY beginning of June. By then, see that with her in a match the injury had prevented ONE OF THE GREAT ATHLETES THAT I THINK THE and she does the same ex­ her from training with the COLLEGE GAME, IN ANY SPORT, HAS EVER SEEN. act thing with injuries. She U.S. national team like she I’M INCREDIBLY FORTUNATE THAT SHE’S HERE.” got locked in and said, ‘All did for three weeks in the right, let’s go,’ and then at­ summer of 2014. She talked with coach Karch Ki­ tacks it (the rehab).” raly in October and he broached the possibility of Sheffield admitted that with intense, competitive putting her on a Pan-American Games roster. athletes like Carlini that it’s only natural “to protect “But the rosters had to be set in May,” she said. “It people from themselves.” In other words, he ex­ didn’t work in my favor. And that’s OK.” plained, “She’s wanting to go 100 miles per hour Instead, she stayed on campus and made daily and maybe one part of her body says, ‘You should trips to the training room. Everybody told her the go 70 right now.’“ JACK M c LAUGHLIN

LAUREN CARLINI: TO BE CONTINUED... PAGE 5 OF 7 Tapping the brakes is not in her makeup; she their own graduation losses: Thomas, Dominique knows only one speed. Thompson, Ellen Chapman, Kt Kvas, Julie Mi­ “She’s not somebody,” he said, “who likes to be kaelsen, Deme Morales and Caroline Workman. told, ‘Hey, you’ve got to pull off the gas.’” Meanwhile, the returning nucleus will feature It’s what makes accomplished players all the more Carlini, Taylor Morey, the Big Ten Defensive Player special; they’ve never accomplished enough. of the Year; Kelli Bates, a member of the league’s “With the truly elite people, in whatever walk of all-freshman team; and Haleigh Nelson, an honor­ life, they look at all the different things that they can able mention All-American. get better at it,” Sheffield said. “She’s wired that way, “Last year was great for different reasons,” Shef­ man. She’s wired that way more than any person ― field said. “You’re returning just about everybody forget about volleyball players ― more than any per­ from the season before (2013) and there’s some son I’ve ever been around. She’s constantly looking things to get really excited about with that. This year, for ways to get better and it’s not just a volleyball we’ve got 60 percent of our team that is brand new. thing. Really, it isn’t.” “But what gets you excited is not necessarily if Sheffield has seen Carlini treat everything in her it’s a bunch of new players or a bunch of returners. life in that manner, in attack mode. And he can re­ What gets you excited is if your athletes are excited late because he’s wired that way, too. “When people and they’re willing to put in the work and they’re will­ want to be great at what they’re doing,” Sheffield ing to grow and do the things necessary to become said, “I don’t think they a great team. ever sit around and say, “A critical element is ‘Man, look at all the things leadership,” he continued. I’m great at.’” “Your best players have to In retrospect, besides echo the coach, they have Carlini’s disappointment in to have the same goals and losing to Penn State, not dreams and understand the advancing to the Final Four process and the work that and the ankle injury, there’s goes into it. With a player the realization that she like Lauren, there’s never won’t get another oppor­ a worry that the team isn’t tunity, at least collegiately, behind me.” to compete against Penn That speaks, in part, to State star Micha Hancock, Carlini’s role. who has finally graduated. “A lot of it is going to “I loved playing against be about making con­ her because I believe we nections,” she said. “The were two of the best setters freshmen don’t really know in the country,” she said. how to take Kelly (and his “I think if we weren’t sworn coaching approach). He enemies, I would actual­ likes to joke around in prac­ ly like her as a person be­ tice but there are also times cause I think we have very when he’s serious.” similar personalities. We’re And the new players have super competitive and we’ll to differentiate between the do whatever it takes to win.” two sides of Sheffield. The It’s reasonable to assume one constant is that Shef­ that winning will be more field is going to demand of a challenge this season that all of his players, expe­ for the Badgers because of rienced or otherwise, adopt

LAUREN CARLINI: TO BE CONTINUED... PAGE 6 OF 7 IT DOESN’T MATTER IF WE HAVE SIX FRESHMEN ON THE“ FLOOR OR SIX SENIORS, WE STILL EXPECT THE SAME

OUT OF OURSELVES. GREG ANDERSON

a “bring it mentality” which pretty much rules out can interact with each of us,” she said. “He’s a guy the potential for any complacency. who doesn’t treat everyone the same. I have a lot of In the spring, for instance, Carlini observed some respect for that. It takes a lot for a coach to care for “really intense” practices. “They were gritty, they someone that much to make them not only a better were hard,” she said. “He (Sheffield) wants every­ player but a better person.” one to know how to play every position and that’s In the American Volleyball Coaches Association valuable to the team. Part of it was building the men­ preseason poll, Wisconsin got one first-place vote tality that we have to have for the freshmen. and was ranked No. 5, overall, tied with Nebras­ “They’re going to be different people on the court ka. In a vote of Big Ten coaches, the Badgers were this year and vital roles have to be taken. We’re not picked for fourth behind Penn State, Nebraska, and going to have the same exact personalities. But I Illinois, which was No. 8 in the AVCA poll. think it will work because everyone is learning what “I don’t care what position we’re in,” Carlini said. our culture is like, how we communicate with each “Every single year, we expect ourselves to win a Big other and how we play. Ten championship and ― moving forward ― a na­ “As long as they (the freshmen) are watching the tional championship. It doesn’t matter if we have six older girls, they’re going to latch on.” freshmen on the floor or six seniors, we still expect As far as how Sheffield envisions Carlini’s role, he the same out of ourselves.” said, “It’s always evolving. She had a huge motor What about Carlini’s personal expectations? when she came in and I think that drive and passion “I’m still going to be an energizer for the team. I’m is only becoming more and more enflamed. She was still trying to inspire other people to be passionate a strong leader for us early-on and she’s learning on the court, and that’s not going to stop,” she said. how to sharpen those skills even more.” “That’s just who I am, and I hope other people latch To this end, Carlini has noticed some changes in on to it as well. A lot is going to be informational ― Sheffield since her freshman season. always asking, ‘What can I do better?’” “He’s more aware of our personalities and how he A legacy in the making.

LAUREN CARLINI: TO BE CONTINUED... PAGE 7 OF 7 JACK MCLAUGHLIN t’s a two-hour drive on I-76E from Lakewood, dling everything that comes across his desk along Ohio, to Pittsburgh. Rick Chryst knows the route with appeasing the alums and dealing with the me­ Iwell after making frequent trips from his home dia demands, he’s still most comfortable in the lock­ in the Cleveland suburb to the Pitt campus to see er room, film room and on the practice field. his younger brother, Paul Chryst, head coach of the “The one thing that he’s learning is there’s always a Panthers the last three seasons. legitimate function to go to (as a head coach),” said “It worked out neat for me as a brother and a dad; Geep Chryst, the second oldest in the Chryst clan. it gave my little guy a chance to have a team (to root “But, right now, he isn’t signing off on the X’s and for),” said Rick Chryst, who often traveled with his O’s. Right now, he still loves rolling up his sleeves 3-year-old son. “I enjoyed being around it (the Pitt even if he has to get into the office early.” program) … Paul wasn’t a (head coaching) candi­ Arrive early; leave late, the Chryst creed. date for every place. But he was Pittsburgh.” Whereas Rick Chryst, a senior vice president at Di­ Since it marked the first time that he was calling all etz Trott Sports & Entertainment Management, was of the shots and running his own football program ― able to keep a close eye on the Panthers’ develop­ dating to 1989 and his first step in the profession as ment, it was more logistically challenging for Geep a graduate assistant ― it’s fair to ask how Paul Chryst Chryst, 53, who’s entering his fifth season as a San has grown as a head coach through his experiences Francisco 49ers assistant. in the lead role after laboring seemingly a lifetime as “The dynamics (time zones) are interesting and I a quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator. don’t think me and Geep ever got in sync when he “What struck me,” said Rick Chryst, 54, “in some went out to San Francisco like we did other places,” of the areas that people might have thought would said Paul Chryst, who coached with his brother for have been an acquired taste for him, I saw him both the San Diego Chargers. “We definitely stay in touch welcome and enjoy the non-football parts of the po­ and what they both say is important to me. sition. But the locker room is still first and foremost.” “The thing I appreciate about Rick, he sees things So while Paul Chryst, 49, has made inroads in han­ a little bit different because of our backgrounds

PAUL CHRYST: JUST THE START PAGE 2 OF 6 (Rick is a former commissioner of the Mid-American coach in those situations are a little bit easier than Conference) and that’s really helpful. If I’m talking for a defensive coach.” with Geep, we’re going to naturally see something If Pitt was a good fit for Paul Chryst, Wisconsin is a ― a majority of the time ― one way and he’ll have a better one, the older brothers agreed. different angle at it.” “Watching Wisconsin on tape (under Gary Ander­ Geep Chryst, who has taken over as the 49ers sen),” Geep Chryst said, “they were getting away a offensive coordinator, has little bit from what we would his thoughts on the coach­ associate with Barry’s (Alva­ ing maturation and growth rez) style or brand of foot­ GEEP CHRYST ON HIS BROTHER: of Paul Chryst during his ball. Paul has a relationship “PAUL KNOWS WHAT HE’S DOING. HE DRAWS head coach apprenticeship with Barry and enjoys the ENERGY FROM THE “ PLAYERS. THAT HAS ALWAYS at Pitt. The record (19-19) mentoring that Barry will of- doesn’t accurately measure BEEN TRUE. HE DOESN’T BECOME A COACH fer, that’s a huge thing.” the progress that has been UNTIL THE PLAYERS ARE IN THE ROOM.” Rick Chryst cited an ex- made, he insisted. change at Paul Chryst’s in­ “The Pitt program is in a better position than when troductory news conference. Paul walked in through the door; he was happy It was the second question asked, “Is this a desti­ where it was headed,” he said. “Paul knows what nation job for you?” he’s doing. He draws energy from the players. That Chryst’s response: “When you’re talking about a has always been true. He doesn’t become a coach destination job, I think you’ve got to earn the right to until the players are in the room. Now, when you’re stay that long where people qualify it (as such).” Re­ the head coach, the players in ferring to Alvarez and Bo Ryan, the room are offense, defense he said, “They’ve earned the and special teams. right to make it a destination. I “Making all of that work, sure hope to work to try to make there’s a natural growth. Paul it that.” stayed involved with the X’s and Earn was the operative word. O’s on offense (at Pitt). There “I thought it was pretty authen­ are a lot of coaches, especial­ tic and honest and true to who ly in the NFL, who delegate X’s Paul is,” Rick said. “He real­ and O’s to their staff so they can ly respects the scale of it and get on top of all the things that respects the people who have come across the head coach’s worn the jersey there. You know desk. how deep that runs … and he “There’s also a natural learn­ definitely feels a part of that ... ing curve,” he continued. “You I know that he has been ener­ learn in every game situation. gized reconnecting.” How do you want to handle this? In particular, Paul Chryst feels You’re at the edge of field goal a kinship with the high school range, do you trust the kicker? coaches in the state. Should we punt them deep and “I remember talking to Jim try to play good defense? Should Harbaugh about recruiting with we go for it on fourth down? Stanford,” Geep said of his for­ “These are all traditional de­ mer head coach with the 49ers. cisions that you have to make “He felt that he made more in­ as a head coach. I would say roads to 3- and 4-star kids who the transition from an offensive worked really hard and devel­ coach or coordinator to a head oped toughness and a work

PAUL CHRYST: JUST THE START PAGE 3 OF 6 ▲ TAP TO WATCH - Paul Chryst: Welcome Home ethic, which still exemplifies Stanford’s play today.” ■ ■ ■ ■ That’s in Paul Chryst’s wheelhouse and compati­ reparation is the essence of Paul Chryst’s game ble with the Badgers model. “Barry has always had a plan. developmental program,” Geep said, “with kids who P It’s why practices tend to last longer than weren’t maybe the highest recruited or rated athlete. scheduled. He doesn’t want to leave the field. The walk-on program has always been phenomenal “It’s fun, it’s a blast,” he enthused. “You can really at a place like Wisconsin.” grow them (players) in practice. You grow by doing; To date, Chryst’s hiring has been a rallying point you grow by screwing up and correcting it. These for the alumni. But it’s not limited to one group. guys love the game. They wouldn’t do all of this, they “You see it through the eyes of the players and wouldn’t spend this much time on it if they didn’t how they respond to Paul,” said Geep Chryst. “It’s love it.” not just the quarterbacks, not just Russell Wilson, Chryst is a realist. He knows that not everyone may Scott Tolzien or John Stocco. But you also see it in love it as much as he does. the eyes of the linemen; they gravitate to Paul and “Still there are some common foundations,” he really embrace it, ‘OK, we’ve got work to do.’” said. “It’s the game.” Because of his NFL profile, Geep Chryst has field­ And he’s adamant about preparing accordingly. ed many questions about his brother. “I do love the preparation,” he confided. “And Especially regarding his “frame of mind” returning that’s where I do feel the pressure. But I love that to Wisconsin. pressure. I think you could tie that back to when I “HIs frame of mind is that he’s at the start of the was here as a player and not having that. The only journey, not at the end,” he said. “The end of the thing that matters on game days is who is between journey was not that he came back and became the the lines. It’s the players, right? So good coaching is coach at Wisconsin. He feels like he’s at the start of having those players prepared.” the journey and, at the start of any journey, you have Chryst is not a big fan of labels. Especially if ap­ to get organized, pack well and prepare.” plied to his offense. “I have never wanted to or tried

PAUL CHRYST: JUST THE START PAGE 4 OF 6 to describe the offense,” he said. “I’ve never wanted said, “Those who can … do. Those who can’t … to label the offense. To me, it’s ultimately the play­ coach. I was OK but not a great one, no. I’ve coached ers’ ― they’re the artists.” a lot better ones.” But there are some clearly, defined objectives. Russell Wilson, Scott Tolzien, John Stocco and Tyler “You hope to be fundamentally sound where you Donovan are on most short lists. Wilson, for one, can can teach the techniques,” he said. “I believe in bal­ come off scripted in public. To which Chryst relat­ ance ― in being able to run ed, “The first time, I talked the football and throw the to Russell, I said, ‘C’mon, man, it’s just you and me.’ football. I believe in playing I BELIEVE IN BALANCE ― IN BEING ABLE TO RUN THE to the players’ strengths. If FOOTBALL AND THROW THE FOOTBALL. I BELIEVE IN Had another meeting and you’re going to be a good it was all behind us. There PLAYING TO THE PLAYERS’“ STRENGTHS. IF YOU’RE offense, in my opinion, were times when he was you have to be able to do GOING TO BE A GOOD OFFENSE, IN MY OPINION, YOU talking to the press.” those things.” HAVE TO BE ABLE TO DO THOSE THINGS. This was fine, except One of the Chryst sta- in the meeting room. Yet ples has been pre-snap movement, the shift-motion Chryst has nothing but praise and respect for Wil­ game, involving a liberal use of tight ends and/or son, especially because he possesses so many ex­ H-backs, a trademark of his offense. ceptional traits. Chryst listed, “Competitiveness, “I think it can help but there are times when it can confidence, talent, smarts. He loves it (the game) also hurt you, so you have to be smart, that’s where and he believes in it (preparation). I got spoiled.” experience helps,” he said of keeping the defense In this context, Tolzien holds a special place in off-balance with formations. “I remember one year Chryst’s heart. “Absolutely,” he said. “I was able we committed to this one shift and every run aver- aged at least two yards. “Mike (Riley) and I were exposed to Norv (Turner) early on and again in San Diego,” he said of his for- mer head coach and offensive coordinator with the Chargers. “That was one of the assignments given by Mike; I had to learn everything I could about the shift-motion game.” Per usual, the personnel will dictate how much it will be used, and how effectively. “I do believe that it can be a good asset,” Chryst said. Of course, there’s no greater asset than a qual- ity quarterback and Chryst has had some good ones. Asked if he was one him- self at Wisconsin, he laughed and

“I was able to truly see him from start to finish,” Chryst said of Tolzien. “You talk about self- motivated. I had a part in it, but he did it. I’m proud of what he did here and what he’s doing now (in Green Bay) and what he will do in the future.”

PAUL CHRYST: JUST THE START PAGE 5 OF X THE ONLY THING THAT MATTERS ON GAME DAYS IS WHO IS BETWEEN THE LINES. IT’S THE“ PLAYERS, RIGHT? SO GOOD COACHING IS HAVING THOSE PLAYERS PREPARED.

to truly see him from start to finish. You talk about It’s the same with coaches, he allowed. “I’ve al­ self-motivated. I had a part in it, but he did it. I’m ways kind of made that analogy that coaching is like proud of what he did here and what he’s doing now surfing,” Chryst said. “You ride the wave as long as (in Green Bay) and what he will do in the future.” you can and then you have to paddle back out and This spring, Chryst was reunited with one of his find another wave. I’ve been around really good peo­ former UW recruits, Joel Stave; then a walk-on. ple and learned from players and coaches.” “I’ve enjoyed getting back with him and getting to UW basketball coach Bo Ryan has been a friend, know him, like truly know him,” Chryst emphasized a confidant, a mentor. of his starting quarterback for 2015. “Heck, I’m ex­ “The best way to put it ― every time I’m around cited for all of the seniors. How can they have the him I’m learning,” Chryst said. “If you ask me, ‘What best year? They have one senior year and you want is the one thing you’ve taken from Bo?’ I would say to help them maximize that opportunity. every time I’m with him, I pick up something. It’s “Right before finals last spring, I got a chance to not that one lesson. And that’s pretty cool, pretty meet with every player,” he went on. “It was not long unique.” enough, 15 to 20 to 25 minutes, but it was a window Chryst felt the same way about purchasing Ryan’s of opportunity for me. I made the mistake at Pitt of home. The latter has moved into a condo. doing that too soon. “The one thing I asked, ‘Bo, you didn’t take all the “I met with them right away and I didn’t know them wins out of this house, did you?’” Chryst recounted. well enough to even know what to ask them, so you “Once again, Bo being Bo, he said, ‘Paul, the ad­ couldn’t pull back many layers. I like getting a feel dress is Champions Run.’ So the pressure is on me for the players. Every guy’s story is different. Every now so they don’t have to change the name of the guy has different motivations and different stresses.” street.”

PAUL CHRYST: JUST THE START PAGE 6 OF 6 JACK MCLAUGHLIN

DAVID STLUKA Qualifying for track and field’s world championships is a career-defining accomplishment. Earning one of the United States’ spots in the decathlon field― an event Americans have dominated over the last decade ― is even more remarkable, especially for a 22-year-old Wisconsin senior who just 15 months ago was saying ‘I’m really just focused on the Big Ten right now.’ DAVID STLUKA

he conversation between the prescient assis­ Ziemek went on to defend his Big Ten title in the tant coach, Nate Davis, and the unassuming decathlon with a score of 7,659, bettering his point T decathlete, Zach Ziemek, took place before total (7,640) from 2013. He was also receptive to the 2014 Big Ten Outdoor Track and Field Cham­ what Davis was saying. “I’m really starting to learn pionships. That’s when Davis shared his vision with the events,” Ziemek said, “and even more I’m start­ Ziemek. ing to learn about myself, which is huge.” “I said, ‘Zach, I think next year, 2015, you’ve got The World team? The Olympics? One down. As one a real shot at making the World team and in 2016 of four decathletes on the United States team com­ one of those three spots in the Olympics could be peting at the IAAF World Championships in Beijing, yours,’” Davis recounted. China, the 22-year-old Ziemek has begun to fulfill Ziemek was definitely caught off guard by the his promise and Davis’ projection for him. timetable. In late June, Ziemek qualified for the worlds by “He kind of looked at me with this blank stare,” breaking the Big Ten record in the decathlon with recalled Davis. “And he said, ‘I’m really just focused 8,107 points at the USA Outdoor Championships. In on the Big Ten (meet) right now’ because he didn’t the process, he also met the ‘A’ qualifying standard know what else to say.” for the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, The World team? The Olympics? Brazil. “It never entered his mind,” Davis said. “That was Making the U.S. team is an accomplishment unto the thing. Part of it was getting him to realize how itself given that Americans have won five of the last good he could be and training to be at that level.” six World titles in the decathlon.

ZACH ZIEMEK: A NEW WORLDVIEW PAGE 2 OF 5 DAVIS ON ZIEMEK: “THERE HAVE BEEN ONLY 75 MEN IN THE HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES THAT“ HAVE SCORED OVER 8,000 POINTS (IN THE DECATHLON) SO HE OBVIOUSLY HAS A SKILLSET THAT MOST ATHLETES DON’T HAVE.”

Davis paused before adding, “That’s sometimes good and sometimes not so good because some­ times I want him to ask, ‘Why? Why are we doing this?’ I want to teach him because you build con­ fidence over the long term teaching as opposed to just doing ― doing this because I said, ‘Do this.’” Over the summer, Ziemek has asked more ques­ tions and more of himself. “A coach’s goal is to be able to teach me,” he said. “But then I need to be able to teach myself and start picking out mistakes. Asking Nate, we can work as a team picking out the stuff I need to do and what I shouldn’t be doing.” Ziemek admitted that he wasn’t very inquisitive during his formative stages as a decathlete. “I was just kind of out there,” said Ziemek, a native of Itas­ ca, Illinois, a Chicago suburb. “I was really young when I was learning about the events. I was 16 for some of them and 18 when I came to college.” Ziemek is aware of the fact that most competitors don’t peak in the decathlon until they’re 27 or 28. “For a 22-year-old like Zach to make the Worlds,” Davis said, “he’s probably one of the five youngest to ever make the decathlon team. So for him, it’s going “It was awesome and I was kind of speechless,” to be a huge learning experience.” Ziemek said of his third-place finish behind Trey Ashton Eaton is the odds-on favorite in the Bei­ Hardee and Jeremy Taiwo at the meet in Eugene, jing decathlon. The world record-holder won Olym­ Oregon. “Our goal has been making the World team pic gold in 2012 and World Championships gold and I’ve been working all year on it and with it actu­ in 2013. Hardee, a two-time world champion, and ally happening, it’s kind of unreal.” Canada’s Damian Warner, who won the Pan Ameri­ Davis brought some perspective to Ziemek’s can Games, will be in the medal chase. achievement. “There have been only 75 men in the Between the Olympics and World Championships, history of the United States that have scored over Eaton and Hardee have combined to win every gold 8,000 points (in the decathlon) so he obviously has medal in the decathlon since 2009. a skillset that most athletes don’t have,” he said. “I’ve looked up to Trey and Ashton,” Ziemek said. But there’s more to it than just his physical gifts. “I look up to them as role models.” “Mentally, he’s different,” Davis said. “He does ev­ They’re far more advanced. So, what is Davis’ ex­ erything in his life the right way; he lives the right pectation for Ziemek in China? “Experience,” he way. One on one with people, he’s very respectful, said. “It’s the meet, it’s the World Championships, very coachable. He blindly trusts you because you’re it’s once every two years and it’s a great accumu­ the authority figure.” lation of men in the sport. So the learning curve is

ZACH ZIEMEK: A NEW WORLDVIEW PAGE 3 OF 5 really what we’re looking at.” everything else and that led to the decathlon.” It’s part of the Davis timetable; so is trusting the Victoria Ziemek has always looked after her son. plan. “Last year was really about getting his founda­ “She has taken care of my whole life,” he said. “Her tion down, teaching him all the basics of the event,” dad, my grandpa, was a professional football player Davis said, “and getting to know him as far as what with the old Chicago Cardinals. He was an influence I can expect when he trains and when he competes. on me as well. Everyone in my family has influenced Lastly, it was building confidence in him.” me.” Davis will be at Ziemek’s side in Beijing’s Nation­ Amanda Ziemek realizes the sacrifices that her al Stadium, aka the Bird’s brother has made. A Nest, the site of the 2008 former college volleyball Olympics. “It’s huge just DAVIS ON ZIEMEK: player, she’s currently having him there to coach “FOR A 22-YEAR-OLD LIKE ZACH TO MAKE THE studying nursing. Victo­ me,” Ziemek said. “With ria Paulson recognizes WORLDS, HE’S PROBABLY“ ONE OF THE FIVE YOUNGEST his coaching and sup­ the commitment that port, we can do this as a TO EVER MAKE THE DECATHLON TEAM. SO FOR HIM, her boyfriend has made. team. All year we’ve been IT’S GOING TO BE A HUGE LEARNING EXPERIENCE.” She’s a former UW mid­ a team.” dle distance runner. Team Ziemek is a handful, and they all made the They will round out Team Ziemek in Beijing. trip to China, all five of them. Through such a collaboration, he said, “Hopefully, That includes his mom and dad, his sister, his girl­ we can all do something special.” friend and, of course, Davis. When he was 2 or 3, he couldn’t remember the Rick Ziemek got his son started in track. “His dad, exact age, Ziemek’s grandmother used to tell every­ my grandpa, who passed away, was a hurdler, pole one that her grandson was going to be an Olympic vaulter and long jumper,” Zach Ziemek said. “It was champion. In a gag snapshot, he was pictured wear­ my dad who got me started in the pole vault when ing a couple of fake medals around his neck. I was in the eighth grade. After that I started doing “Maybe now it’s not a joke,” Zach Ziemek said. DAVID STLUKA

ZACH ZIEMEK: A NEW WORLDVIEW PAGE 4 OF 5 DAVID STLUKA

“Hopefully those dreams come true.” Yet he doesn’t regret taking the redshirt. “When I But he doesn’t want to go there, not yet, because talked to Nutty,” he said of former head coach Ed he’s not ready to think about such things. Nuttycombe, “we knew it was going to be a five-year “I’ve obviously thought about the future and trying plan. And last season was my season to do it so in to go pro and making the Olympics,” he said. “But my last year (2016) I could lead this team to some I’m just trying to take it day-by-day. I want to be the special things.” best that I can be at the Worlds. I don’t want to jump He spelled it out. “Some Big Ten titles and a tro­ too far ahead. The decathlon is really mental and I phy for nationals would be amazing,” he said. want to make sure I’m focused all the time.” The World Championships should serve nicely as Ziemek is looking for­ a springboard into his ward to one thing and senior year regardless of that’s returning to school I’VE OBVIOUSLY THOUGHT ABOUT THE the decathlon results. In for his final year of eligi­ preparation for his trip to bility with the Badgers. FUTURE AND TRYING“ TO GO PRO AND MAKING Beijing, Ziemek watched “Just knowing I’ll be THE OLYMPICS. BUT I’M JUST TRYING TO TAKE a documentary on the competing for Wisconsin IT DAY-BY-DAY. I WANT TO BE THE BEST THAT Great Wall of China. If again and I’ll have a full I CAN BE AT THE WORLDS. I DON’T WANT nothing else, he should indoor and outdoor sea­ TO JUMP TOO FAR AHEAD. already know that there son is really exciting,” are no barriers that he said Ziemek, who red- can’t scale. shirted this past year. “The thing that really sticks out about Zach,” Davis “The whole year I couldn’t wear a (UW) jersey be­ said, “he’s in it for as long as he can do it.” cause I was unattached. It was kind of lonely. I didn’t And he has so many more years in front of him to have a coach helping me out (at meets). When I hone his craft as a decathlete. competed at Drake (Relays), my dad was coaching “I’m just a guy,” Ziemek said, “that works every me; he knows a little bit, but he can’t spot what I was day to be the best that I can be.” doing wrong.” That translates the same anywhere in the world.

ZACH ZIEMEK: A NEW WORLDVIEW PAGE 5 OF 5 INSIDE FOOTBALL BY MIKE LUCAS ■ UWBADGERS.COM

Always-improving Stave leads by example Senior quarterback confident in himself and in his teammates heading into 2015

nticipation skills are crucial for any quarterback. Take it TAP TO VIEW SCHEDULE from Joel Stave. Prior to attending Big Ten Football Media ADays in Chicago in July, he anticipated the line of ques­ tioning to revolve around a stretch last August and September when he struggled to complete even the most routine pass in practice after losing his starter’s job to Tanner McEvoy. Stave is OK, though, with the conversation and revisiting the topic. “That’s not an issue for me anymore,” he said. “That was kind of a unique thing that I went through. But I don’t have an issue

SCROLL talking about it or anything like that. I understand it’s a compel­ ling storyline. If that’s what people want to talk about, if that’s what they want to write stories about …” So be it. Stave has already moved on while learning more about himself (“I really have”) and benefiting from the experience, how­ ever unexpected and painful. The No. 1 benefit? “Just knowing I

was able to go through that and come out on the other side and INTERNET CONNECTION REQUIRED TO VIEW TWEETS be fine,” he said. Moreover, he noted, “I was able to play some of my best football SOCIAL against Iowa and Minnesota when we really needed big games MEDIA: and I was able to make plays down the stretch. It was something I felt very confident and good about after going through what I went through.” Over the last four games of the regular season, Stave served as the perfect complement to tailback Melvin Gordon by completing 67 percent of his passes for 619 yards and five touchdowns. He was picked off just once and owned a pass efficiency mark of 159.02 during that span. Against the Hawkeyes, he converted four of five third-down at- tempts, all of 6 yards or longer, highlighted by a rare Stave run of 12 yards on the final drive that sealed the 26-24 win. Against the Gophers, he threw for 215 yards, including a career-long com- pletion of 70 yards to Alex Erickson. He also had two touchdown passes in a 34-24 victory that sent the Badgers to the Big Ten title game. Overall, Stave won seven straight after taking over for McEvoy the second week of October. Despite some bumpy stretches, in- cluding an injury that cut short his 2012 season, he’s now sport- ing a 21-7 career record as a starter ― something Paul Chryst may have anticipated five years ago when he evaluated Stave at Whitnall High School and invited him to walk on at Wisconsin. INSIDE VOLLEYBALL BY DIANE NORDSTROM ■ UW ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS GREG ANDERSON

Questions remain as Badgers open season Wisconsin hosts HotelRED Invitational on Friday and Saturday in UW Field House

lot of questions remain for the Wisconsin volleyball team as TAP TO VIEW SCHEDULE it opens the season this weekend by hosting the HotelRED AInvitational. The fifth-ranked Badgers welcome Western Kentucky, Colgate and College of Charleston for the round-robin tournament on Friday and Saturday in the UW Field House. Despite fans getting a look at the 2015 Badgers for the first time last Saturday in the team’s annual intrasquad scrimmage, third-year head coach Kelly Sheffield still has questions about his lineup. “From an evaluation standpoint, it’s really hard when you’re playing yourself ― you don’t know which numbers are real and SCROLL which ones aren’t real,” Sheffield said. “I thought we passed the ball really, really well, so does that mean we’re a great passing team or not a very good serving team? “I thought we came out, had good energy, (and) it looked like everyone was having a lot of fun. There were some players who

might not get a lot of playing time this season and got a taste of it INTERNET CONNECTION REQUIRED TO VIEW TWEETS today so it was a win, win, win.” Nearly 1,200 fans watched the scrimmage and got a look at the SOCIAL eight newcomers on the Badgers squad. MEDIA: “I’m happy with the number of fans that we had,” Sheffield said. “It was great to see a lot of people come out for a scrim- mage. (For) probably five or six kids down in the locker room, that was the biggest crowd that they played in front of ― it’s good to get some of that stuff out.” INSIDE MEN’S SOCCER BY BRANDON HARRISON ■ UW ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS EVAN HALPOP

Offense looks poised for improved season Wisconsin generated a number of scoring opportunities in exhibition vs. Drake

young group last season that had as many as four fresh­ TAP TO VIEW SCHEDULE men in its starting lineup, Wisconsin ranked last in the Big A Ten for shots, goals and points in 2014. It appears things could be turning, however ― and quickly. Wisconsin hosted Drake for an exhibition and one final tuneup Saturday before the regular season begins this weekend. Things appeared to be firing on all cylinders for the Badgers, who racked up 20 shots over the course of the game. For comparison, Drake tallied just seven shots. Even more impressive was that of UW’s 20 shots, 13 were put

SCROLL on goal. Getting so many shots on frame led to a number of threatening scoring chances. Given a different bounce of the ball, many of those opportunities could have been goals. While UW managed to score just once and lost 2-1, it was a game that those in attendance came away from feeling like it could have just as easily been a 4-2 win.

Sophomore midfielder Mike Catalano had the moment of the INTERNET CONNECTION REQUIRED TO VIEW TWEETS game offensively, getting the Badgers on the board after he col­ lected a ball in the box, turned and delivered a quick strike past SOCIAL the opposing goalkeeper for the score. MEDIA: “In some ways, this is an excellent end to our preseason in terms of what I saw out of our players,” UW head coach John Trask said after the game. “In the end, soccer can be a cruel game. One or two things can go against you.” INSIDE WOMEN’S SOCCER BY BRANDON HARRISON ■ UW ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS JACK MCLAUGHLIN

Badgers resilient during opening weekend Wisconsin pulled out back-to-back overtime wins to begin the 2015 season

he Wisconsin women’s soccer team got its season off to an TAP TO VIEW SCHEDULE undefeated start last weekend, but it wasn’t without effort, Tgrit and resiliency. Two games and two overtime wins later, the Badgers are 2-0-0. Both games went extra minutes, including a double-overtime battle against Western Michigan. McKenna Meuer delivered a game-winning header on Friday night and Rose Lavelle scored a game-winner of her own Sunday afternoon. In both cases, the Badgers were forced to dig deep and work for late results. Showing resiliency and toughness was something that head coach Paula Wilkins preached to the team all last sea­ SCROLL son. In fact, UW is now undefeated over its last eight overtime games. The Badgers hold a 6-0-2 record in overtime contests dating back to last season. Wilkins is encouraged that there are signs of a growing culture

within the program. INTERNET CONNECTION REQUIRED TO VIEW TWEETS “We talked about being resilient, especially going into over­ time, and I’m happy with the response of the team,” Wilkins said. SOCIAL “We’re happy to get the result. Anytime you get a result, you get MEDIA: a result.” Were it not for a late goal surrendered in the 82nd minute against North Dakota State, the Badgers looked headed for their first shutout of the season. While that was not the case, the en- suing overtime created a different test for the Badgers to work through, and they found a way to overcome. INSIDE CROSS COUNTRY BY A.J. HARRISON ■ UW ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS DAVID STLUKA

Badgers set up camp in Door County Teams will spend a week in northern Wisconsin to prepare for 2015 season

he Wisconsin cross country teams will wrap up their sum­ TAP TO VIEW SCHEDULE mer training in northern Wisconsin by spending a week in T scenic Door County in preparation for the 2015 season. A variety of activities are on the docket for the 40-plus runners making the trip, including morning and afternoon runs, time at the different parks and beaches and a fish bake on Friday night. “My favorite part of the trip is being there as a team with not many distractions to solidify a team bond going into the season,” senior Emma-Lisa Murphy said. “This is also a big advantage be­ cause when we go home after a week well spent getting to know new teammates and working hard together, it begins to build SCROLL confidence in each other that we will carry throughout the year.” This marks the second year Wisconsin’s combined men’s and women’s program will embark on the Door County trip. The men’s team has been making the trek since 2012. “It is an awesome experience,” UW Director of Track and Field

and Cross Country Mick Byrne said. “It’s a chance for them to INTERNET CONNECTION REQUIRED TO VIEW TWEETS get away from Madison and relax in a real training camp environ­ ment. It is beautiful scenery, and they have incredible trails on SOCIAL Lake Michigan. MEDIA: “The goal of the week is to lay out the expectations for the season in terms of training and racing, but it is also a chance for the new kids to get to know the older runners in a very relaxed environment.” INSIDE WOMEN’S HOCKEY BY A.J. HARRISON ■ UW ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS

Summer hockey wraps up for the Badgers Six UW student-athletes ended their summer by playing for their national teams

hile many college students spend their last month of TAP TO VIEW SCHEDULE the summer relaxing, many Wisconsin women’s hockey W student-athletes gained valuable experience with their respective national teams. Nine Badgers began the month attending national camps, as six Badgers spent almost two weeks in Calgary at the Canadi­ an National Women’s Development Team Camp and three oth­ ers were in Lake Placid, New York, at the USA Hockey National Women’s Festival. “At these camps, you learn so much, not just from coaches, but from other players as well,” junior Mellissa Channell, a Ca­ SCROLL nadian player, said. “Learning from other players is something I always enjoy about these camps.” “Each set of coaches brings a unique set of skills or tech­ niques,” American junior Jenny Ryan said. “I was able to learn some new defensive tips from the U.S. coaches that will help me

moving forward.” INTERNET CONNECTION REQUIRED TO VIEW TWEETS Follow the camps, the United States and Canada each select­ ed a team that would face each other last week in Lake Placid. SOCIAL Courtney Burke, Annie Pankowski, Ryan and the U.S. earned a MEDIA: 2-1 series against Channell, Emily Clark, Sarah Nurse and the Canadian National Women’s Development Team. “Playing with Courtney and Annie was a huge advantage be- cause I am so used to playing with them,” Ryan said. “It brought comfort and confidence to my game. We were able to help each other out and able to give a boost when one of us needed it.” Pankowski and Ryan each collected assists in the series open- er as the United States scored four unanswered goals to defeat Canada, 4-1. Nurse played a vital role in the second game, assisting on the game-winning goal that gave Canada a 2-1 win and tied the se- ries. INSIDE ROWING BY PAUL CAPOBIANCO ■ UW ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS

Road to Rio ’16 runs through Worlds ’15 Four Badgers rowing in France to qualify boats a year ahead of Olympics

ith the Olympic Summer Games in Brazil less than a TAP TO VIEW SCHEDULE year away, the upcoming year in the world of rowing will Wbe spiced up with battles for the coveted spots on the U.S. national team. Four former Badgers are among the hopefuls in the mix for those spots, and all look to compete at the 2015 FISA World Row­ ing Championships, set for Aug. 29 to Sept. 6 in Aiguebelette, France. Vicky Opitz returns to the women’s eight in search of her third-consecutive world championships gold medal and does so in a boat in which Team USA boasts nine consecutive world SCROLL championships. The Middleton, Wisconsin, native will be in the mix to become UW’s first women’s openweight rower to make an Olympic team since 2000. She won’t be the only one vying for a spot next year as Grace Latz, who was teammates with Opitz at Wisconsin when UW cap­ tured its first Big Ten title in 2010, will race in the women’s four INTERNET CONNECTION REQUIRED TO VIEW TWEETS without coxswain at this year’s world championships. She won MEN’S WOMEN’S WOMEN’S LT. bronze at last year’s worlds in the women’s quadruple sculls. SOCIAL An Olympian in 2012, Grant James looks to return to the Games MEDIA: in 2016, but for now will compete for the fifth-consecutive year on the senior U.S. national team as part of the men’s eight. The 2008 national champion at Wisconsin finished fourth at the 2012 Games in London in the men’s eight, along with twin brother Ross. Finally, Tim Aghai made his first senior national team, grabbing a spot in the men’s pair. Aghai and his crew edged out Ross James in the men’s pair senior trail. The Skokie, Illinois, native owns a gold medal from the men’s eight at the 2011 World Row- ing U23 Championships and was also part of the men’s pair at the 2012 event, placing fourth. A record 1,300 athletes from 77 countries will compete at this year’s world championships, which also serves as the qualifying event for next year’s Olympics. Boats must reach certain place- ment benchmarks to grab spots for their countries to compete in Rio de Janeiro. ■